Cell Discovery and the Plasma Membrane

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to cell discovery, theories, structure, and processes of cellular transport.

Cellulae

Latin term for small rooms, used by Robert Hooke to describe the structures he observed in cork.

Cell Theory

States that all living organisms are composed of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and all cells come from existing cells.

Selective Permeability

Property of the plasma membrane that allows some substances to pass while excluding others.

Phospholipid Bilayer

Double layer of phospholipids that makes up the plasma membrane, with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Fluid Mosaic Model

Describes the plasma membrane as a mosaic of various proteins that move freely within the fluid lipid bilayer.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, usually smaller and simpler than eukaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, more complex and larger than prokaryotic cells.

Mitotic Division

Process by which eukaryotic cells reproduce, involving the division of a cell into two daughter cells.

Diffusion

The net movement of particles from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water across a selectively permeable membrane.

Active Transport

Movement of substances against their concentration gradient, requiring energy input.

Lysosomes

Cell organelles that contain digestive enzymes to break down waste materials.

Mitochondria

Organelles that convert fuel particles into usable energy through cellular respiration.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that capture light energy for photosynthesis.

Vacuoles

Membrane-bound vesicles used for temporary storage of materials in cells.

Golgi Apparatus

An organelle that modifies, sorts, and packages proteins for secretion or use within the cell.

Ribosomes

Cell organelles that are the site of protein synthesis.

Cilia

Short, hair-like structures that aid in cellular movement.

Flagella

Long, whip-like structures that assist in the movement of some cells.

Hypotonic Solution

A solution with a lower solute concentration compared to the inside of the cell; can cause cells to swell or burst.

Hypertonic Solution

A solution with a higher solute concentration compared to inside the cell; can cause cells to shrink.

Isotonic Solution

A solution where the concentration of solutes is equal inside and outside the cell, leading to no net movement of water.